Chapter Two:

Sitting on top was a leather bound notebook with stickers all over the front. They were faded with age and Harry couldn't make out what any of them said.

He lifted the journal out of the box and opened up to the first page. It was dated July 15, 1974. The handwriting was small and rushed much like his own. Opposite the page on the inside of the front cover was written: The property of Sirius Black.

Harry's curiosity got the better of him and he began to read.

Well I just received letters from Durmstrang and Hogwarts. Mother was all ready to send me to Durmstrang but I told her that I wanted to go to Hogwarts. "But your brother is at Durmstrang." She actually believes that I would want to go with my brother. She's crazier than I thought. Then again Regulus always was her favourite. Which is understandable. I've always been considered the "white" sheep of the family.

I'm the only Black that doesn't have a morbid fascination with everything dark and evil. You should see my house. You can't walk five feet without something trying to strangle or eat you. Just yesterday I was attacked by some old purple robes that my dad had hanging up.

It took a better part of the day to break free. It could've been easier but my mother told me that I got myself into this mess so I can get myself out. Is it just me or do all parents good and evil enjoy making lessons out of every small little detail?

Well anyway I eventually escaped by using a pair of scissors from a nearby table. After the first snip they backed off and that was the end of that. I was left with a few bruises on my chest and arms but nothing a little potion won't fix.

My room is the safest one in the house. There's a particularly nasty portrait of a wretched old witch but she's only capable of shrieking insults. And she really only does that when I lodge a dart in her canvas face.

But no matter how grating her voice may be the poor little witch was born without an imagination. Most of the time she shrieks "MURDERER!" Not to original if I say so myself.

"Then the whole world must be unoriginal," Harry thought. "Because that's what you'll be referred to as for thirteen years." He laughed though it really wasn't that funny.

He flipped to another page that had August 6 written in the corner. Already his interest was taking the place of his grief.

Regulus came to visit for a week. He's been in Bulgaria for the summer staying with one of his friends from school.

You should've seen mum. She actually had Kreecher clean the house for once. Can you believe that? Though that really isn't saying much. Kreecher is rather incompetent when it comes to domestic chores. His true talents lie in worshipping my parents. Father loves taking advantage of that fact. I walked into the bathroom once when… well let's just say I was scarred for life…

Harry felt bile rise up in his throat. He was hoping that what he thought Sirius was talking about really wasn't what Sirius was saying. But just to be safe Harry turned the page.

August 15

He's only been here 9 days and already I want him to go back to Bulgaria. He keeps talking about how great it is there and showing off all the neat little spells he's learned. Durmstrang students have very little control over what they are allowed to do over the holidays.

I guess that would be the only perk to actually attending that school but I guess it's too late now. I've already answered Hogwarts back telling them that I'd love to attend their school. Of course mum doesn't know that. She's still trying to convince me about Durmstrang. Wait till she finds out I've already answered Hogwarts.

Maybe it will give her a heart attack…

Harry laughed to himself as he scanned the next few pages. There was nothing that was all together interesting. Just Sirius complaining about his mum, his family, and his house.

The next entry to catch Harry's eye was written three days before Sirius was to leave for Hogwarts.

Mum didn't die, unfortunately. She did almost kill me though. She locked me in a room with a couple of Cornish pixies. Merlin it was awful. They bit several chunks out of my back before I was able to squash them.

Nasty little things, but they are mum's favourite form of punishment, them and the poltergeists. She let a few of them loose in the attack next. Poltergeists enjoy screwing with your mind. For three days straight I thought I was in the middle of the jungle being chased by a pack of wild Nundus. I could feel their deadly fetid breath on the back of my neck.

It was so horrible. After mum let me out I ran away. I am writing this in room number 5 at the Leaky Cauldron.

I've already purchased my books and supplies for school and in three days time I will be riding the Hogwarts Express away from this place.

Harry understood what Sirius was feeling. He remembered that for once in his life he felt free. Smiling Harry skipped forward to September 1.

Well I'm here at Hogwarts in the first year boy's dormitory. And guess what I'm in Gryffindor! Can you believe that? I about near fell off the stool. Even though I'm nicer than most of my family I still expected to be placed in Slytherin.

I can't wait to send an owl to mum. She'd better have a heart attack this time or I may be forced to send her an owl with poison dust in the parchment. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Anyway Hogwarts is so amazing. I can't believe I'm actually here. It's the perfect place to play pranks on people. There are a lot of shadows and corners to hide in.

I can't wait. I've even found a new partner in crime: James Potter. We met on the train and it seemed that within seconds we were planning some sort of prank or adventure. He said his goal is to create a map of the whole of Hogwarts, secret passages and all. This is going to be a good year.

James is also in Gryffindor along with HIM.

Wait it seems I've forgotten to mention HIM. Here is an account from the train station where I met Remus Lupin.

I walked into King's Cross-Station at 10:45. That's 15 minutes before the Hogwarts Express was set to leave platform 9 ¾. So I got a luggage cart and headed off towards platform ten. As I neared it I watched as a small group of people disappeared inside the column between platforms 9 and 10.

Picking up the pace I slipped through the bricks and found myself standing before a huge gleaming train. White smoke writhed around the ceiling.

Anyway I was making my way towards the train when I noticed another boy about the same age as I was. He had his hand clutched to his luggage cart as if his life depended on it. His appearance was that of a sick person but he was still somehow gorgeous.

He had sparkling sapphire eyes that were darting around in fear. I decided to go introduce myself as an excuse to get to talk to this fascinating boy.

He jumped when I came over. "Hello," he had quietly said.

I introduced myself.

Harry froze and stared at the page as if were somehow alien. He scanned to the bottom of the page and gasped.

I think I love Remus.

Harry shook his head and re-read the words. They hadn't changed.

"Remus and Sirius," Harry muttered. It somehow sounded weird. As he tried to comprehend what he had just read a glimmering light got his attention. The candlelight was reflecting off of a picture inside the box.

Harry reached his hand inside and pulled out a framed photo.

"Oh god," he said. The frame slipped from his hands and fell with a clunk to the floor.

It glared up at him. There was Sirius kissing the side of Remus' face passionately. Remus was smiling happy. In the corner was Sirius' messy scrawl.

XOXOXOXO Love,

Sirius